As part of the interior refurbishment of Exeter College’s historic dining hall, dpa were appointed to develop a sensitive lighting scheme that would enhance the functionality and character, while preserving its rich heritage dating back to 1314. The atmospheric interior hosts a wide variety of functions from daily meals to formal dinners, weddings, and university events.

Multiple lighting layers were neatly integrated with minimal visual impact and disturbance to the building fabric, controlled via a programmed palette of architectural lighting scenes.

Concealed uplighting adds a warm ambient glow to the roof structure, while custom stem-mounted fixtures along the north and south walls illuminate both upper and lower portraits using existing wiring. Linear uplighting to window reveals and stone mullions articulate the architectural rhythm, while subtly highlighting the carved stone bosses and gargoyles adding a touch of drama.

Portraits at the east and west ends are lit with discreetly positioned track spotlights, with both optical distribution and intensity remotely controlled for ease of focusing and balancing the light. Additional spotlights illuminate the high table and gallery to support flexible scenes for events and performances.

Linear lighting to the west arch windows and timber panels, and spotlights aimed at the college crest and carvings, further depict the hall’s character and storytelling, together with the lit fireplaces and stone mullions to the north bay window.

Existing dining table lights were retained but enhanced with warm-dim lamps, offering a dynamic shift from crisper functional lighting ambience during daytime to a softer, candle-like glow for evening settings, enriching the building’s timeless charm.

Client: Exeter College, University of Oxford
Architect: Jessop and Cook
Electrical Contractor: Darke and Taylor
Photography: dpa lighting consultants